I use a single battery cautery tool I purchased long ago from A2Z. The tool is labeled as a wax carver (for sculpting wax jewelry forms for lost wax casting). The single battery is replaceable and there is no heat adjustment.
A glowing red tip is too hard on any film, especially the light weight stuff (OS Film, etc.) used on light indoor planes. I always use a partially depleted alkaline battery (about 1.4V) either from from used battery bin or by letting the tool stay on full heat for a few minutes. I have never had a fire or a run-a-way film edge and, at most, just some lightly browned edges on thin balsa spars. A partially depleted battery lasts more than enough to trim the film from all of the covered parts of an F1D.
Unfortunately, all such tools I have seen with adjustable heat settings also have non-replaceable batteries. One can cut and modify such tools to replace the batteries.
Similar tools are also found in hobby and sewing stores as a tool for for cutting loose threads. I have bought one as a spare and it works well. The tools cost under $20 and one can purchase one at Hobby Lobby for about $10 using the weekly 40% off coupon.
LeoP
Received on Sat Aug 16 2014 - 08:35:25 CEST
This archive was generated by Yannick on Sat Dec 14 2019 - 19:13:48 CET